Product Description

User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
theforerunner
a Audio Enthusiast

Date Reviewed: September 1, 2010

Bottom Line:

I bought these brand new on a closeout from a seller on Audiogon for one thousand dollars and I see used ones selling for about the same now. They are well worth it and then some. These are the most transparent and detailed monitors I have ever had and I've had some good ones ( Dynaudio 1.3, Totem Model Ones, ProAc Tablette 50. Paradigm Studio 40v2, B&W 685). These will reveal differences in any upstream component but at the same time they deliver the heart of the music you listen too. Kevin Voecks of Revel has done an outstanding job of speaker design here. They didn't get the press of the earlier M20 model, but from what I heard listening to a pair of both, the M22 has smoother treble and is a little more frelaxed sounding dfor longer term listening. thdey do need a bit of amplifier power to sound their best. I'm using my trusty Musical Fidelity A300 and they sound extremely good together. I just got a new Sony XA5400es cd player and from what I'm hearing I won't be needing to spend any money to upgrade for quite a while. It is definately the most enjoyable system I have ever had. (I use Signal Cables BTW).. AQt the prices these go for on Audiogon you absolutely cannot go wrong!!!!

Pros:
1. Fit and finish are without par.
2. Integration of tweeter and mid/woof is so good you'd swear there wasn't a tweeter.
3. Midrange is... um... I'd say perfect. Complete clarity without any "house sound" or other nonsense.
4. Speaker will play lowwww (if you have them properly positioned and have lots of power -- see below).
5. They pretty much do nothing wrong -- ever. Add better electronics or a better CD and they sound better, but they never offend. Ever.
6. Plenty of dynamics in the upper-mid to high range. I'm very aware that my preamp and amp are WAY under par so I really cannot comment on what these baby's can do with real equipment. Probably a lot.
7. Image well, etc.... c'mom, these are the cream of the crop from Revel. They are as good as everyone says they are.

Cons:
1. Power hungry hogs. They need like 100W of "real" power (the kind that doubles into 4 Ohms) to get the best out of them.
2. Only one mid/woof leaves you -- as usual -- at the mercy of room placement wrt room nodes, etc.
3. I'd probably go for the M32's instead of these unless I had a REALLY nice audio system and a room where I could place them appropriately, just for the extra woofer or whatever. Make up for my crappy equipment and room placement,etc.

These speakers replaced B&W CDM1SE's. Compared to the BW's these speakers do the job of reproducing music with much less effort. There is virtually no coloration of sound and absolute clarity even at high volume levels. The stereo imaging is excellent as these speakers seem to disappear on the sound stage. Clear, distinct instruments are precisely placed. It has been particulary interesting to listen to percussion ensembles where the precise positioning on the soundstage is very evident. Bass response is balanced and solid. I have since ceased use of a sub woofer upon listening to these speakers. The build quality is excellent--gold plated posts, immaculate veneer finish and refined covers. I have no complaints and in fact was surprised to notice as much a difference between these speakers and the B&W's that they replaced. In A/B testing the Revel's were much less colored. Initially I didn't know whether I preferred the no color vs. the coloration clearly evident in the B&W's as the color does have an appeal. However, after listening to a wide range of recorded material the lack of coloration was my preference. It is as if the music coming from the speakers is as the produces of the CDs intended it without the speakers themselves contributing their part to the listening experience. These speakers perform admirably at low to medium volume levels as well as at high volume levels. In fact, I am surprised there is not more distortion at extremely high volume levels. I'm guessing with a more powerful amplifier these speakers would have no difficulty in screaming with clarity and grace at volume levels that could damage human hearing. In summary these speakers leave little for me to say is missing in the reproduction of music. They do well with hard and loud rock and roll as well as with human voice and instrumental program. I am particulary pleased with the manner in which these speakers 'sort' the complex arrangement of instrument of symphonic music. The effect is stunningly realistic and engaging. Bravo to Revel.